…Says M&B will continue to provide efficacious drugs to save lives
The Managing Director of the foremost drug manufacturer, May & Baker PLC, Pharm. Patrick Ajah has said the resilience of its management is a major factor that has kept the company going and waxing stronger over the years.
Founded on 4 September, 1944, as Nigeria’s first pharmaceutical company and began local manufacture of medicines in 1976, May & Baker is celebrating its 80th Anniversary on 4 September, 2024.
While addressing newsmen at a press briefing on Monday as part of activities marking the company’s 80th Anniversary, Pharm. Ajah said the company is lucky to have the best group chairman in the pharma industry in Nigeria.
Reiterating the commitment of the organisation to saving lives, Pharm. Ajah said May & Baker is not bothered that companies like GSK have left Nigeria, noting that the May & Baker has resolved to bridge the gap created by the exit of some companies by providing efficacious drugs for the country to save lives.
“We are marking this anniversary for three main reasons. 80 is a landmark age and deserves to be celebrated. Secondly, this company has during these long years saved the lives of millions of Nigerians through its quality efficacious medicines and the thirdly, this is the time May & Baker has come full circle – growing from a foreign tutelage and ownership to a wholly indigenous player and is now heading back to global focus which is a significant new beginning for us”, Ajah said.
According to the managing director, in commemoration of its 80th Anniversary, the company has donated a borehole to the community where it currently built its factory in Otta. “We have decided to give back to society through some projects in key areas of need. “We are donating a borehole to Egusi Ota community in Ogun state, renovating some charity homes within the Lagos environs, We are helping some indigent but very brilliant students in some Schools to cover their tuition fees especially at their final year”, Pharm. Ajah said.
The projects, according to Pharm. Ajah will kick off with the commissioning of the newly renovated pavement walk and walls within Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home in Akoka, Lagos State, while donation of the borehole will be done on Tuesday in Ota Ogun State. On Wednesday 4 September, according to Pharm Ajah, the company will visit four charity homes in Lagos and Ogun States with products and other gifts. He added that the company is also organiSing a “Walk for Life” event which will take them through major streets within the Ikeja and Agege area of Lagos.
Pharm. Ajah said “our success has been driven by an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, a passion for research and development, and a dedication to improving patient outcomes despite challenges of the operating environment.
“Today, we stand at the forefront of an industry that is constantly evolving. We are proud of our past achievements, but we are even more excited about the future. Our continued investment in research and development, our focus on harnessing cutting-edge technologies, and our commitment to collaboration and partnerships will guide us as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of healthcare”.
The May & Baker managing director noted that the company has risen to the occasion in recent times to respond to key health challenges, as in the case of Ebola and Covid-19, with the fast introduction of the Smartans hand sanitizer to help fight these pandemics; adding that, the organisation is now working round the clock with a plan for local production of Biovaccines that will take care of routine immunization in the country.
According to him, in 2005, May & Baker, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria set up Biovaccines, a local vaccine production subsidiary and the partnership is still ongoing with the ultimate aim of setting up the factory as soon as possible so as to meet the nation’s vaccine needs.
As the company forge ahead, Ajah noted that the organisation is proud of its past but more excited about the future, adding that the company will continue to prioritise research and development and also put Nigeria first.
“As we look ahead, our resolve remains strong. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of science and technology, to enhancing the quality of life for people everywhere, and to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and excellence in all that we do. We celebrate not only our past achievements but also the promise of what is yet to come. We are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and we remain steadfast in our mission to create a healthier future for all Nigerians”, Pharm Ajah said.
